OERAF Holds Memorial Lecture On The Benefits Of Debate Competitions For Students In Ughelli

By Kennedy Atevure

The Executive Director of Olotu and Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF), Dr. Olotu Otemu Akpodiete, Ph.D. (JP), held a memorial lecture on the benefits of debate competitions for students in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The event took place, April 10, 2025, in honor of the remembrance of the passing of his grandfather, the late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Olotu Akpodiete encouraged the students to take their academic activities very seriously, assuring them that his foundation would continue to provide support for quality education in Nigeria.

Olorogun Dr. Chris Oharisi, Chairman of the Board of Governing Council at Delta State College of Health Science and Technology, Ofuoma-Ughelli, who chaired the occasion, advised the students to be optimistic.

He emphasized the importance of debate to students, stressing that it helps them excel in public speaking.

On his part, Mr. Samson Obor, Principal of Government College Ughelli, thanked the organizers (OERAF) for their good work and encouraged the students to take their studies seriously.

He added that the importance of debate can never be overemphasized.

Presenting the lecture, Olorogun (Mrs.) Grace Akpodiete highlighted several benefits of debate for students.

She mentioned four major benefits: academic benefits, personal benefits, career benefits, and life skills benefits.

She concluded that by participating in debate competitions, students can develop a wide range of skills that benefit them academically, personally, and professionally.

During her speech about the life of the late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Barrister (Mrs.) Agboka Akpodiete-Omale highlighted his integrity and commitment to philanthropy.

She praised him as a great disciplinarian, dedicated community leader, lawyer, and known for his generosity.

Chief Dr. Linda Ikpuri, in her closing remarks, expressed satisfaction with the great job that Olotu and Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation is doing, assuring that she would collaborate with OERAF to build a better society.

Other highlights of the event included the presentation of cash prizes to various schools in attendance.

The schools included Lulu Schools, Government College Ughelli, Otovwodo Grammar School, Oharisi Secondary School, Transcorp Secondary School, Ekakpamre, Girls Model Secondary School, Evwreni, Divine Fire School, and Ekiugbo Grammar School.